Nanomaterial-Induced Modifications in Plant Physiology and Genetics for Optimal Crop Production Strategies

Nanotechnology has ushered in a new era in agriculture, offering transformative solutions to address the pressing challenges of feeding a burgeoning global population while adapting to a changing climate. At the forefront of this revolution are nanomaterials, characterized by their unique properties at the nanoscale. This article explores the intricate and dynamic relationship between nanomaterials and plants, unveiling how they induce profound changes in plant physiology and genetics. These changes, while complex, hold the key to unlocking novel approaches for crop improvement and sustainable agriculture. However, the core of this study delves into understanding how nanomaterials are taken up by plants and transported within their intricate biological systems. The mechanisms underlying nanomaterial uptake and distribution within plants are unveiled, offering possibilities for precise nutrient targeting and enhanced uptake efficiency. Subsequent sections meticulously dissect the consequences of nanomaterial exposure on plant physiology, including growth, development, and stress responses. The intricate genetic modifications and epigenetic changes that nanomaterials induce in plants are explored, revealing the potential for tailored crop improvement strategies. Notably, we demonstrate the practical implications of these nanomaterial-induced changes, showcasing their relevance for optimizing crop yields, resilience to environmental stressors, and nutritional quality. This article also takes a holistic approach by addressing the environmental and safety considerations that accompany the use of nanomaterials in agriculture. It emphasizes the necessity of responsible application, ecological impact assessment, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks to guide safe utilization. In conclusion, this article serves as an illuminating exploration of the nascent field where nanomaterials meet plant physiology and genetics, with implications that could reshape the future of agriculture

Effect of ageing on survival of benthic diatom propagules

A comparison of viable benthic diatom propagules based on the observations recorded immediately and after 5 years of ageing at 5 °C is presented. The number of viable benthic diatom propagules decreased with ageing. However, they exhibited an apparently longer lag phase. Although diatoms belonging to the genera Amphora, Navicula and Thalassiosira were dominant during immediate observation, only Amphora and Navicula survived the ageing process. The non-viability of Thalassiosira indicates that ageing for five years was beyond its critical period of survival. The other diatom genera that survived the ageing process were Odontella and Grammatophora